In all industrialized countries, residents and citizens have identification cards by law. Whether you are a language-limited or minority person, a “voter ID” card is a logical document, especially under a government that provides public services and so-called entitlements. A 10-year Census gives a democratic government a basis for a fair representation.

I appreciate Barry Paschal’s comments June 27 about the prevalence of speeding on Columbia County roads.

After a near miss with a motorcycle recently at the top of the hill on Columbia Road at Old Belair Road, I would like to remind folks that visibility at that corner is limited from several directions. Without the elevation provided in pickups, vans and SUVs, there is significant risk of collision for small cars and motorcycles. Yes, the posted speed limit is 55 mph (often exceeded), but everyone is safer at less than that speed.

That there is a problem with traffic congestion in Metro Atlanta and surrounding counties cannot be disputed. The big question is, are we on the correct path with T-SPLOST to address that congestion? Is it possible that present technology can solve the traffic congestion problem in metro Atlanta and other counties without a T-SPLOST? Columbia County does not have the massive problem of Atlanta, but we still have traffic congestion on our roads.

06/24/12 - 12:01am

Editor:

I know editorials are opinions. However, even in editorials, when “facts” are given, it would be good if they were accurate. I write as an employee of the Regional Library system – the head cataloger, in fact, at the Augusta Library, and as a citizen of Columbia County.

Two years ago I was in a Columbia County School Board meeting and heard the school board informed that if they pass the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, the school system would be out of debt in two years.

It has been two years, and now I understand teachers will be laid off, class sizes will increase and the superintendent who said that got a raise. Something does not sound right to me and I want to know what.

I enjoyed Jenna Martin’s June 10 article about the two fellows who relived traveling across the U.S. in their Triumph TR-3.

It reminded me of my time in a TR-3 when a friend of mine and I went to the American Grand Prix in Watkins Glen in New York state. While not as long a trip as across the U.S., it was still memorable; taking the seats out to sleep and camping along the way.

I would like to clarify some misinformation. I wrote a letter to the editor (April 18) regarding charter schools and the administration costs of the Columbia County school system. Superintent Charles Nagle replied (April 29) and stated that I should have stated that I am the president of the union for the school bus drivers. Nagle went on to talk about lawsuits that the board of education is dealing with and implied that it was the union behind the suits.

I am running as a Republican for the Georgia House of Representatives, District 121, which covers much of McDuffie and Columbia counties. Before the July 31 election, I hope to meet each of you and earn your support.

I decided to run because I believe our government spends too much and taxes too much. We need to get back to the basic Christian values that made our country great. There are too many people dodging personal responsibility today and asking the government to take care of their every need.

According to May 8 Atlanta Business Chronicle, home prices in Georgia decreased 7.3 percent in March of this year. The state of Georgia ranks No. 4 in the five states with the greatest home depreciation in the nation. Georgia Watch, the state’s leading consumer advocacy organization, says the value of 2 million Georgia homes decreased by an average of $1,920 in 2011.The average drop in 2012 is expected to number 3 million homes at more than $4,600 per home.

Please allow me to share some accomplishments and contributions and sacrifices made by family. I thought you might want to know since we are honoring those that have served our country. My name is Dixie.

My son George Washington from Virginia led our troops to victory in the American Revolution, during freezing weather and while disease killed many spared in combat.

My son Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox” from South Carolina, also fought the British and won during the American Revolution.